By Insertion Or Application Of A Preform Patents (Class 264/516)
  • Publication number: 20140239557
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a blow molding process provides that portions of the parison are engaged by one or more clamping devices disposed on or adjacent to the blow mold parts, and that the blow mold is opened whereby the parison is torn apart between the clamping devices, into two or more pieces of the parison. In other implementations, the clamping devices may be moved relative to the blow mold to tear the parison, or the parison may be torn by a combined movement of the blow mold parts and clamping devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Andreas W. Dobmaier, Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Peter Grauer, Gerrit A. Michaelis, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Patent number: 8815145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external mold and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. In some embodiments, an impermeable sheet of material may also be placed over portions of the composite material to compress it against the SMP apparatus. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external mold. When the composite material is cured, the pressure differential may be equalized and/or reversed and the malleable SMP apparatus may be removed from within the composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Everhart, David E. Havens, Joel James Everhart, Randy Rex Kysar, Carl Ray Fiegenbaum, Jeffrey W. Priest, Kevin John Ford, Delbert Leon Strelow
  • Patent number: 8807171
    Abstract: A method and system for lining pipes which utilizes an in-line water heater to improve efficiency when lining long lengths of pipe. The method and system for lining pipes generally includes a pipe lining machine and a water heater. The outlet of the pipe lining machine will generally be connected to the inlet of the water heater by a first conduit. The outlet of the water heater will generally be connected to a second conduit and the linet of the pipe lining machine will generally be connected to a third conduit. A non-metallic liner is extended through the pipe to be lined and connected at either end to the respective ends of the pipe, the end of the second conduit and the end of the third conduit. By placing a water heater in-line with the pipe lining machine, the pipe lining capability of the pipe lining machine may be greatly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Tanner
  • Patent number: 8807172
    Abstract: A device and method for repairing the junction of a main pipe line and a lateral pipe. The device uses a series of independently controlled bladders to adjust the timing and pressure exerted by the bladders on the pipes. The device also uses a liner assembly of resin absorbent material is formed, with a tubular lateral liner connected to a concentric circular main liner. The liner also includes an opening to facilitate loading of the liner in the device. Upon loading the bladders and resin-embedded liner into a train, the device is positioned and the bladders independently inflated, either concurrently or in sequence, installing the liner assembly onto the pipe. Once the resin is cured, the bladder assembly and launcher are removed from the sewer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Perma-Liner Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald D'Hulster, James Gould
  • Patent number: 8808591
    Abstract: A method of forming a composite article by injecting at least two composite materials comprising metal carbides into a mold to form a green compact is disclosed. The composite materials may be metal powders comprising a binder metal, a hard particle. The composite material may further comprise a plastic binder. The two different composite materials are injected into the mold to form the green compact. Additionally, the composite materials may be injected through a die before entering the mold. In a specific embodiment, the die forms at least one internal channel within the green compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, David J. Wills, Michale E. Waller, Jeffrey L. Weigold, Billy D. Swearengin
  • Publication number: 20140225315
    Abstract: A blow molding device and a blow molding method are disclosed that can blow-mold a container with a handle without requiring a handle inserter that inserts a handle into a blow molding section. A blow molding method for blow-molding a container with a handle includes heating a preform (2) that is held by a heating transfer jig (370), transferring the preform from the heating transfer jig to a blow transfer jig (420), and transferring the blow transfer jig in a state in which a handle (500) is held by the blow transfer jig to be adjacent to the preform in a transfer direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Shuichi Ogihara
  • Publication number: 20140202975
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated liner-based system having an overpack and a liner provided within the overpack, the liner comprising a mouth and a liner wall forming an interior cavity of the liner and having a thickness such that the liner is substantially self-supporting in an expanded state, but is collapsible at a pressure of less than about 20 psi. The liner and overpack may be made by blow molding the liner and the overpack at the same time using nested preforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Tom, Greg Nelson, Wei Liu, Amy Koland, Don Ware, Daniel J. Durham, Tracy M. Momany, Chantel Roush
  • Publication number: 20140170353
    Abstract: Composite components and methods for forming composite components are provided. A method includes inserting a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic tape into a molding device, and feeding a parison into the molding device. The parison includes a thermoplastic material. The method further includes blow molding the parison within the molding device such that the parison bonds with the tape, forming the composite component. A composite component includes a blow molded inner layer comprising a thermoplastic material. The composite component further includes an outer layer bonded to the inner layer during blow molding of the inner layer. The outer layer includes a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Kreager, Richard Novaco, Robert E. Newell
  • Patent number: 8747718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic hollow part (1) and to a method for the manufacture of a plastic hollow part, wherein plastic material is introduced into a molding tool by means of a blowing or injection molding process, forming a hollow connection contour (10) and the plastic is formed into a hollow part (1), wherein a support ring (4) is molded into the area of the connection contour (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Jessberger, Markus Hanselmann, Horst Danneberg, Guido Regener, Maik Hentschel
  • Publication number: 20140117589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of pressure-resistant gas and/or liquid tight containers made from thermoplastic materials. To this end the method comprises the following steps: providing a removable external mandrel around a neckpiece, followed by providing at the inside of such mandrel a thermoplastic material for the manufacture of a thermoplastic internal wall. Hereupon the external mandrel is removed and the thermoplastic internal wall is filled with a cooling liquid. Hereupon additional thermoplastic material is provided to the external side of the thermoplastic wall and is consolidated either during the provision hereof, or thereafter or both. Hereupon the cooling liquid is removed and the container is ready for being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: COVESS N.V.
    Inventors: Tony Vanswijgenhoven, Dieter Vanswijgenhoven
  • Publication number: 20140117591
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fuel tank equipped with an internal accessory and having a plastic wall produced from a parison, the process including, in order, the following steps: a) the accessory and the molten parison are introduced into a mould so that the accessory is surrounded by the parison, the mould including cavities equipped with at least one moving part; b) a pressurized gas is introduced inside the parison to carry out a pre-blow moulding of the parison; c) the pre-blow-moulded parison is pressed locally against the accessory using the moving part in order to firmly attach the two without piercing the parison; d) the mould is closed and the final blow moulding of the parison is carried out by flattening it against the mould cavities using the pressurized gas; and e) the tank is removed from the mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Sylvain Roos, Manuel Bretnacher
  • Patent number: 8695203
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (FT) equipped with an internal accessory, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, said process comprising the following steps: the parison is introduced into the mold cavities; the core is introduced inside the parison, the core having first been fitted with the accessory; the mold is closed so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; the parison is pressed against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; the accessory is fastened to the parison by snap riveting using a device attached to the core; the mold is opened to withdraw the core; and the final molding of the parison is carried out by blow molding and/or thermoforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Frederic Jannot, Bjorn Criel, Barbara Mabed, Pierre-Francois Tardy, Ralph Pohlmann
  • Patent number: 8691139
    Abstract: A method of connecting a component to a molded article may include disposing a component adjacent to a wall of the article being molded, overlapping a portion of the component with a portion of the wall of the article being molded while the wall is still at least partially molten, and permitting the wall of the article being molded to cool with said portion of the component still overlapped by the wall. Preferably, a portion of the component is overlapped on two sides by the wall of the article being molded to firmly retain the component relative to the article after the article is formed. The article may be a receptacle, or any other object, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Grauer
  • Patent number: 8658079
    Abstract: Process and device for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with at least one communication component, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two impressions and a core, said process comprising the pressing of the parison against the impressions and formation of a pocket in this parison, the communication component being fastened in this pocket by welding of at least one portion of its side wall to at least one portion of the side wall of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, David Hill
  • Publication number: 20140048985
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Stephane LEONARD, Thierry FERRACIN, Frederic JANNOT
  • Patent number: 8652383
    Abstract: To provide an insert part weld molding method for reliably welding an insert part to a blow molded object while preventing an unwelded portion from being created at a circumferential edge of the insert part in a thickness direction thereof. An insert part weld molding method welds a blow molded object to an insert part 3 set in a mold 7, wherein a molding surface 7a of the mold 7 is set higher than a front surface 6d of a portion to be welded of the insert part 3, and an entire surface of a circumferential edge 6b of the insert part 3 in the thickness direction thereof and a parison 11 of the blow molded object are brought into a gapless welded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidesaburo Gotsu
  • Patent number: 8636943
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fuel tank equipped with an internal accessory and having a plastic wall produced from a parison, said process comprising, in order, the following steps: a) the accessory and the molten parison are introduced into a mold so that the accessory is surrounded by the parison, said mold comprising cavities equipped with at least one moving part; b) a pressurized gas is introduced inside the parison to carry out a pre-blow molding of said parison; c) the pre-blow-molded parison is pressed locally against the accessory using the moving part in order to firmly attach the two without piercing the parison; d) the mold is closed and the final blow molding of the parison is carried out by flattening it against the mold cavities using the pressurized gas; and e) the tank is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Sylvain Roos, Manuel Bretnacher
  • Patent number: 8631556
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: introducing a parison into mold cavities; introducing a core inside the parison, where the core is first fitted with a swirl pot having a housing for the pump; closing the mold so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; fastening the swirl pot to the parison using a device attached to the core; molding the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming; unmolding the tank, and mounting a pump in the housing of the swirl pot. The mounting of the pump is achieved by way of an intermediate part, the external shape of which is standard and complementary to that of the housing, and the internal shape of which is adapted to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Ralph Pohlmann, Franck Dhaussy
  • Patent number: 8613882
    Abstract: A method of planting a handle and a bottle parison to a mold of blow-molding modules, including the steps of: first, holding a handle temporarily on a handle positioning device; then, holding a bottle parison temporarily on a bottle parison positioning device while a bottle blowing mold is in a mold-breaking state; moving the handle downward into the bottle blowing mold through the handle positioning device; positioning the handle at a desired position while the bottle blowing mold is switched to the mold-closing state; and moving the bottle parison downward into the bottle blowing mold through the bottle parison positioning device, and clamping the bottle opening of the bottle parison at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bottle-Top Development Co.
    Inventors: Simon Chin, Arthur Hsieh, Wan-Chi Sun
  • Patent number: 8608011
    Abstract: A fuel tank capable of strongly fusion-bonding a built-in part to an inner surface of an outer wall thereof while protecting the outer wall even when an impact, etc. are applied thereto. In the fuel tank for a motor vehicle, which is formed by blow molding, in which the built-in part is mounted, and which has the outer wall composed of a synthetic resin, a plurality of mounting members adapted to mount the built-in part to the fuel tank are provided on the built-in part so as to be fusion-bonded to the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank. An abutment portion is formed on each of the mounting members for contacting the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank, and an abutment surface and a plurality of abutment pins, each projecting from the abutment surface, are formed in the abutment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: FTS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Asahara, Tomohide Aoki, Yasuyuki Washiyama
  • Patent number: 8584339
    Abstract: A method for fastening a component to a lower internal wall of a fuel tank includes providing the tank with a fastening point close to the opening of the tank and located on an upper internal wall of the tank, and with one or more reliefs. The method also includes inserting the component into the tank via the opening, and the component is positioned on the lower internal wall with the aid of the one or more reliefs, and creating a mechanical connection between the fastening point and the component with the aid of a support. A fastening ring or disc is welded to the upper internal wall of the tank and is provided with one or more reliefs that enable the rapid and detachable fastening of a part provided with one or more complementary reliefs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Edouard Mbog, Franck Lecrivain
  • Publication number: 20130264736
    Abstract: Method for producing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories and having a wall made of plastic made in a single piece by moulding a split parison or a parison in at least two parts, said method comprising the following steps: a) the parison is introduced in the heat-softened state into a mould comprising dies; b) a core on which the accessories are placed is introduced inside the parison; c) the parison is pressed onto the dies of the mould; d) the accessories are fastened to the parison with the aid of the core in an ideal layout; e) the core is withdrawn and the mould is closed; f) the tank is moulded from the parison; and g) the tank is removed from the mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Nadja WALLING, Fabrice LABORDE, Hervé Lemoine
  • Publication number: 20130257106
    Abstract: An air duct for an automotive vehicle is blow molded with an elongated, hollow structural member to be used as a portion of a body of the vehicle. The structural member has an inner wall defining an elongated cavity communicating with first and second access holes at respective longitudinal positions along the structural member. A parison comprised of a thermally insulating material is inserted into the internal cavity. A source of inflation gas is connected to a mouth portion or the parison. The parison is heated and inflated within the internal cavity to an expanded shape to form the air duct disposed against the inner wall and spanning the first and second access holes. The air duct at one of the access holes is configured as an air inlet. The air duct at the other one of the access holes is configured as an air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. Sawyer, Mukesh Kumar, Martha E. Nefcy
  • Patent number: 8535594
    Abstract: A hollow plastic body comprises a material composite consisting of a stamp-formed panel or sheet-like first layer of a first thermoplastic synthetic material, an optionally stamp-formed panel or sheet-like second layer of a second synthetic material, and an open-cell or mixed-cell foam layer of a third synthetic material disposed between the first and the second layer. The foam layer may be compressed at least in some sections in accordance with the stamped form of the first layer and/or the second layer. The foam layer may be in mechanical contact with the first or/and second layer substantially only in the compressed sections. Advantageous manufacturing methods for hollow plastic bodies are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Carcoustics Techconsult GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Luger, Richard Geissler
  • Patent number: 8512624
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for a bicycle hub includes steps of preparing dry carbon fiber fabric, covering around inner tube, placing in upper and lower molds, injecting adhesive into the upper and lower molds, and forming by heating and pressurizing. Because the manufacturing process uses tubular dry carbon fiber fabric to form a hub shell, the manufacturing process is simple and the produced hub has few defects. Thus, the production rate and product stability are enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Shu-Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20130206755
    Abstract: Container and method of forming a container comprising an inner liner and an outer shell by providing an open shell that is closeable to provide the outer shell, vacuum forming the liner with a shape conforming generally to at least a portion of the inner volume of the shell from at least one film, positioning the formed liner in the open shell and closing the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Green Bottle Limited
    Inventor: Martin Myerscough
  • Patent number: 8505188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device having a two-part base element and a hinged cap pivotally fastened to the base element and movable between a closed and an open setting. The base element is configured in two parts, with one part being a substantially annular fastening element and the other part being a dome-shaped dispensing element inserted into the substantially annular fastening element. The invention also relates to a method of producing such a closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Aptar Freyung GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Lenz, Gerhard F. K. Jäckel
  • Patent number: 8496867
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with a component, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, the process comprising the mounting of a component around a needle or an oblong object attached to the core, the displacement of the needle or oblong object so as to deform the parison and pierce an opening into it, the needle or oblong object carrying the component with it in order to position the component in the opening, and the withdrawal of the needle/oblong object, leaving the component lodged in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Jean-Claude Mur, David Hill
  • Publication number: 20130186597
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to compressed gas storage units, which in certain applications may be employed in conjunction with energy storage systems. Some embodiments may comprise one or more blow-molded polymer shells, formed for example from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Embodiments of compressed gas storage units may be composite in nature, for example comprising carbon fiber filament(s) wound with a resin over a liner. A compressed gas storage unit may further include a heat exchanger element comprising a heat pipe or apparatus configured to introduce liquid directly into the storage unit for heat exchange with the compressed gas present therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: LightSail Energy, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8491833
    Abstract: A method of forming a fuel tank may include providing a cavity for forming fuel tanks; inserting one or more elongated elements within the cavity; placing a parison in the cavity proximate to the elongated elements; and exerting fluid pressure on the parison thereby deforming the parison and engaging the elongated elements with a surface of the parison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Andreas W. Dobmaier, Alex Ehler, Peter Grauer, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Patent number: 8474684
    Abstract: A method for bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process uses a novel tool. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
  • Publication number: 20130161876
    Abstract: A method of making a single-piece hollow shell is disclosed. A plurality of perforators is inserted into a mold and create an inner mold surface. A material is inserted into the mold to create a perforated hollow shell between the mold, the inner mold surface, and the perforated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Arthur Molinari
  • Patent number: 8465690
    Abstract: A fluid inversion liner apparatus controls fluid loss to permit lining of pipe in smaller spaces by requiring less fluid. The apparatus includes a housing, a liner feeding assembly, and a nozzle. A tubular flexible liner is insertable through the liner feeding assembly. The liner has a first end couplable to the nozzle forming a fluid seal at the nozzle. A fluid injection port is provided for introducing fluid such as air or water into the housing. The liner feeding assembly is adjustable for conforming to the liner as the liner passes through the liner feeding assembly. Thus, fluid introduced into the housing through the fluid injection port is prevented from passing out of the housing through the liner feeding assembly. As a result, fluid pressure between the interior of the housing and the liner draws the liner through the liner feeding assembly and out of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: John Heisler
  • Patent number: 8460587
    Abstract: A method for producing a foamed article including a supporting element, a foam layer, and an upholstery cover applied on said foam layer, comprising the steps of forming said upholstery cover by stitching together a plurality of lengths of upholstery cover, positioning the sewn upholstery cover on a convex positioning surface of a positioning member withholding the sewn upholstery cover on said positioning member by means of a first suction system, setting said positioning member with the sewn upholstery cover withheld thereon by suction in a bottom die of a foaming die, deactivating said first suction system and withholding the upholstery cover on a concave positioning surface of said bottom die by means of a second suction system, extracting said positioning member from said bottom die leaving said upholstery cover positioned and withheld by suction on said concave positioning surface, positioning a rigid supporting element on a plunger of said foaming die and closing the plunger on said bottom die so as to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Tecnocad Progetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Buono
  • Patent number: 8431067
    Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a method by which a reservoir having desired end connection profiles may be made using shape memory characteristics of crosslinking to compressively seal the connection profiles into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Rowley, Grandin A. Rushlander, Robert Yunk, Earl Christian, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8409489
    Abstract: An insertion plunger for inserting at least one wrap-around label and at least one bottom label into an injection mold for producing a plastic container has an outer plunger and an inner plunger that is movable relative to the outer plunger. In a method for insertion of a wrap-around label and a bottom label into an injection mold, the labels are inserted by an insertion plunger in that the wrap-around label and the bottom label are inserted in a single stroke performed by the insertion plunger into the injection mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Marbach moulds & automation GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Döbler
  • Patent number: 8377368
    Abstract: A method of connecting a component to a molded article may include disposing a component adjacent to a wall of the article being molded, overlapping a portion of the component with a portion of the wall of the article being molded while the wall is still at least partially molten, and permitting the wall of the article being molded to cool with said portion of the component still overlapped by the wall. Preferably, a portion of the component is overlapped on two sides by the wall of the article being molded to firmly retain the component relative to the article after the article is formed. The article may be a receptacle, or any other object, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Grauer
  • Patent number: 8377367
    Abstract: A method for producing a container associable with airless pumps, in the interior of which container a deformable bag is formed by blow molding a preform of plastic material. A vacuum is created in the container interior during or slightly before blowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lumson S.p.A.
    Inventor: Orsola Patrini
  • Patent number: 8372331
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with an internal line by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, comprising the following steps: introducing the parison into the mold cavities; introducing the core inside the parison, said core having first been fitted with the line; closing the mold so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; fastening the line to the parison over at least two points using a device attached to the core; opening the mold to withdraw the core; and carrying out the final molding of the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming, in which the line comprises, between its fastening points, a free length that is capable of coming into contact with the parison and/or with an accessory found thereon when the mold is closed, and wherein during the fastening step, at least one intermediate fastening point is created u
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Frédéric Jannot, Bjorn Criel, Pierre-François Tardy, Pierric Besnard, Stéphane Galliot
  • Patent number: 8349245
    Abstract: A method of producing a vehicle interior panel having a hollow double-walled structure made of thermoplastic comprising, blow molding with a pair of mold halves including a first mold with a shape transfer surface having a three dimensional pattern, and a second mold, clamping a cover material being formed by at least a double-layer structure arranged between a cavity of said first mold and a parison of thermoplastic such that a resin sheet layer without a through hole and without a three dimensional pattern faces a cavity of said first mold, introducing a pressurized fluid into the parison to press the cover material and the parison against a cavity surface, thereby integrally laminating said cover material to an outer surface of a first wall of the panel having the hollow double-walled structure and transferring said three dimensional pattern of said first mold half to said resin sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Ishida, Ryosuke Oki, Teruo Tamada
  • Patent number: 8327975
    Abstract: A resonator is disclosed which includes: a sleeve insert and an outer duct sealingly coupled to the sleeve insert. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first aperture in the wall at a first axial distance, a second aperture in the wall at a second axial distance, and a rib extending radially outwardly with the rib located between the first and second apertures. The outer duct sealingly couples to the sleeve insert proximate first and second ends of the inner sleeve and at the rib. The sleeve insert and the outer duct are formed of plastic materials which are coupled by welding or via o-rings placed on the sleeve insert. Cavities, in the vicinity of the apertures, are formed in the outer duct. The cavities, which are fluidly coupled to the sleeve insert via the apertures, attenuate noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James William Ortman, Aamir Asgharali Marvi, Lloyd Anthony Bozzi, Brian Pierre Hendrix, Ha To Chung, Roger Khami, Eric Henry Hermann, Timothy Joseph Dorweiler
  • Patent number: 8329082
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material, in particular a process for the production of fuel tanks of plastic material. In the process according to the invention preforms in web or band form of plasticized plastic material are shaped in a multi-part tool forming a mold cavity by expansion of the preforms and causing them to bear against the internal contour of the mold cavity. The process firstly includes the production of two mutually complementary intermediate products in the form of shell portions. Then respective built-in fitment components are secured to the respective insides of the shell portions, which face towards each other in the installation position, wherein at least some built-in fitment components of mutually complementary shell portions are respectively of mutually complementary configuration, in the sense that they can be joined to provide an assembled component or to provide a functional unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Borchert, Gerd Wolter, Harald Lorenz, Dirk Eulitz, Timo Kramer, Markus Hutzen
  • Patent number: 8287796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material in which web- or strip-type preforms of plasticised plastics material are shaped in a multi-part tool which forms a mould nest, with two outer moulds and a central mould which perform opening and closing movements with respect to one another. The central mould is provided with at least one device for receiving and manipulating components to be fastened in the interior of the hollow body by means of a material and/or form-fitting joint. Prior to the fastening of the components to the inner wall of the hollow body to be produced, the components are heated by means of a radiant heating device. The radiant heating device is advantageously integrated in the central mould of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Buchholz, Dirk Eulitz, Harald Lorenz, Gerd Wolter
  • Patent number: 8282875
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fuel tank equipped with an internal accessory and having a plastic wall produced from a parison, said process comprising, in order, the following steps: a) the accessory and the molten parison are introduced into a mould so that the accessory is surrounded by the parison, said mould comprising cavities equipped with at least one moving part; b) a pressurized gas is introduced inside the parison to carry out a pre-blow moulding of said parison; c) the pre-blow-moulded parison is pressed locally against the accessory using the moving part in order to firmly attach the two without piercing the parison; d) the mould is closed and the final blow moulding of the parison is carried out by flattening it against the mould cavities using the pressurized gas; and e) the tank is removed from the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Sylvain Roos, Manuel Bretnacher
  • Patent number: 8277620
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide electrolyzers made using thermoformed electrode assemblies and diaphragm assemblies. Each electrode assembly is made from two plastic rings and an electrode plate using a twin sheet thermoforming technique. A first plastic ring is laid in a mold having the appropriate shape to form the electrode assembly. The electrode plate is laid on top of the first plastic ring and is generally centered on the ring. The second plastic ring is laid over the electrode plate, and is generally centered over the electrode plate. The plastic is heated to soften the plastic, and a vacuum is pulled on the mold to pull the softened plastic into the shape of the mold. The mold is closed over the assembly to seal the two plastic rings together. After cooling, the molded part may be removed, resulting in a hollow plastic rim surrounding an electrode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Scott Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 8272668
    Abstract: A composite wall structure formed from a plurality of layers. The composite wall structure can be used to form a composite storage tank having a tank cavity and a longitudinal axis. A composite tank trailer can be formed using the composite tank, a platform structure and a suspension and wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: ASCUS Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald J. Keehan, John M. Manos
  • Patent number: 8260448
    Abstract: A system for imaging one or more items produced by rapid prototyping may include, but is not limited to: control electronics including a memory containing a plurality of data sets representing design items; a user interface coupled to the control electronics and operative to select one or more of the data sets representing design items and operative to receive user view selections; a rapid prototyping device coupled to the control electronics and responsive to the selected one or more data sets representing design items to produce physical items; a positioning mechanism operable to accept the produced physical items from the rapid prototyping device and to position the produced physical items in a field; and an image capture device responsive to the received user view selections electronics to selectively image at least a portion of the field corresponding to the received user view selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Edward K. Y. Jung, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 8257642
    Abstract: The method of an embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: (A) filling a melted thermoplastic material for a first time; (B) closing the forming mold and blowing air into the forming mold; (C) opening the first forming mold and removing the chair legs; (D) placing at least two of the chair legs into a second forming mold; (E) filling the melted thermoplastic material for a second time; and (F) closing the second forming mold and blowing air into the second forming mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ching-Ching Trading Co.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsia Sun
  • Patent number: 8260447
    Abstract: In a method of providing a material amount for a generative manufacturing method, a three-dimensional object (2) is formed by selectively solidifying layers of a material at locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object (2) in the respective layers. The quality of the manufactured objects is reproducibly recorded, thus, improving the method. At least one first material amount of a powder is provided, which is characterized by at least one feature. Data is detected, which relates to the at least one feature of the first material. Then, the data is stored, which relates to the at least one feature of the first material. Thus, the method can provide an identifiable powder amount used in manufacturing each layer of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Thomas Mattes, Ludger Hümmeler, Markus Frohnmaier
  • Patent number: RE43880
    Abstract: This invention relates to the composition and a solvent-free process for preparing novel imide oligomers and polymers specifically formulated with effective amounts of a dianhydride such as 2,3,3?,4-biphenyltetra carboxylic dianydride (a-BPDA), at least one aromatic diamine and an endcapped of 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (PEPA) or nadic anhydride to produce imide oligomers that possess a low-melt viscosity of 1-60 poise at 260-280° C. When the imide oligomer melt is cured at about 371° C. in a press or autoclave under 100-500 psi, the melt resulted in a thermoset polyimide having a glass transition temperature (Tg) equal to and above 310° C. A novel feature of this process is that the monomers; namely the dianhydrides, diamines and the endcaps, are melt processable to form imide oligomers at temperatures ranging between 232-280° C. (450-535° F.) without any solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Chun-Hua Chuang